I’ve been reflecting on this topic lately and I’m curious to know if anyone else shares the same thoughts. Pursuing an MBA appears to be one of the most effective ways to enhance your earning potential, yet I seldom see people discussing it openly.
In the beginning, I kickstarted my career earning around $35K at a small nonprofit where I handled communications. I came from a fairly average upbringing — a middle-class family with divorced parents, and my dad worked in education. After college, I was uncertain about my career path and took any job that came my way.
After about four years of working and securing a few promotions, I decided to take the GRE and apply to a business school. The test was relatively manageable compared to the horror stories I’d heard about exams for other graduate programs. Ultimately, I got into a respected program ranked in the top 30.
Frankly, the coursework was much more approachable than I had anticipated. Most classes felt manageable, and the grading seemed fair. Much of the focus revolved around building connections with classmates and preparing for interviews rather than heavy studying.
My summer internship between the first and second years was a game changer. It allowed me to explore a completely different field, and I was thrilled to receive a full-time job offer afterward. My starting salary surged to around $180K, which was a significant leap from the $65K I was making before attending school.
What strikes me most is how distinct this journey feels compared to other graduate programs. Law school seems incredibly taxing with fierce competition and the need to pass the bar exam, and medical school is notoriously rigorous with its academic and residency requirements. In contrast, the MBA felt much more aligned with practical skills and networking opportunities.
Even classmates who attended lower-ranked programs secured promising roles, including positions in regional consulting firms, corporate finance, and leadership development programs, with most earning six-figure salaries right after graduation.
While some might argue that these salaries aren’t remarkable in pricey areas, for someone from a smaller town, it has dramatically improved my standard of living. I can now save money and no longer worry about making ends meet.
Additionally, the work-life balance has been wonderful. I typically work normal hours and have ample time for my hobbies and travel. In contrast, friends in different sectors seem to face more stress and often work longer hours.
I’m interested to hear if others have similar experiences or if my perspective resonates. At times, it feels like I’m merely stating the obvious, yet I encounter individuals who seem unaware of these opportunities.